Flash Movie Review: The Light Between Oceans

There are many people who use the word “love,” though looking at world affairs maybe not enough. I have experienced individuals who actually say the word too often, to the point where I feel it loses some of its importance. Now I am not referring necessarily to someone telling another person they love them; though I have to tell you, hearing someone say it constantly throughout the day makes me feel as if there is less specialness behind the meaning of the spoken word. I remember the first time I realized I was truly in love with someone was when they became ill. Being a person who avoids touching things like doorknobs, other people’s cell phones and their hands; when I sat looking at my loved one wishing I would have gotten sick instead of them, I knew I had fallen deeply in love. Wanting to take away their discomfort besides nursing them without thinking about all the germs was a transformative experience for me. So I use this as my litmus test: if I am willing to put the needs of someone ahead of my germ phobia then I know our relationship is meant to be. Sadly I have seen some people who could not take that extra step in their relationship. I knew someone who was in a relationship for a couple of years; they were quite in love. However when one came down with a life threatening illness, the other could not handle it. Though in their defense they did try, but after a time they ended the relationship. It was just a sad situation all around. One could certainly say love makes people do some crazy or should I say irrational things; the couple in this dramatic romance will show you another example. WHEN lighthouse keeper Tom Sherbourne, played by Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs, X-Men franchise) spotted what looked like an abandoned rowboat, he had no idea his life was about to change because of what he found inside the boat. This film festival nominated movie based on the bestselling book was not only beautiful to watch, it also had a wonderful soundtrack. Besides Michael there was Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl, Jason Bourne) as Isabel Graysmark and Rachel Weisz (The Lobster, Oz the Great and Powerful) as Hannah Roennfeldt; all of them were amazing with their characters. I have not read the book but I found the story interesting. Starting out slowly the script took some time before pulling me in. I will say the chemistry between Michael and Alicia was quite strong; they kept me interested in their story. However the script had some holes in it that were a distraction for me. There were some events that did not ring true to me to the point I felt the writer was focusing more on making the audience react instead of going deeper with the characters. It just came across as heavy handed and manipulative to me. Love can make a person do some uncharacteristic things but I was not totally in love with this movie.

2 ½ stars

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About moviejoltz

From a long line of movie afficionados, one brother was the #1 renter of movies in the country with Blockbuster, I am following in the same traditions that came before me. To balance out the long hours seated in dark movie theaters, I also teach yoga and cycling. For the past 3 years, I have correctly picked the major Oscar winners... so join me as we explore the wonder of movies and search for that perfect 4 star movie.

I am conflicted about this movie. I really like Fassbender and will pretty much watch him in anything – and I also rate Vikander and Wiesz as actors – but this is not really my type of story line, all heightened emotion and melodrama – or at least that is how it seems from the trailer. A number of people recommended the book to me but I never got around to reading it. I will probably give it a go when it eventually shows up on the small screen.

Interesting. For awhile, I thought you were going to say you like it. You know, I’m with you and even though I haven’t seen the film. I do not like when a film is “heavy handed” It’s just too obvious and I find myself chaffing as it tries to manipulate my emotions. It is best done subtly, I agree. Thanks again for the heads up.
Btw, I’m not good with sick people myself. I did it twice with my parents and it was more out of duty than love. Though, I will admit, I did feel compassion. (you would have to read some of my earlier blogs to understand) Saying that, love can turn us into miraculous creatures.

I went to see “Light…” and I actually thought it was good most of the way, but it became awkward toward the end. I felt her pain and his war of conscience. I talked to a couple that sat next to me afterward and she said the end was not like the book and told me to “read the book”. She was very disappointed. Sometimes in condensing an ending, they force it and in the end lose its motion. I guess I shall read the book.